Titans should pursue Cribbs

The Titans enter the offseason in need of a return man. Josh Cribbs wants a new NFL home. Perhaps the two sides, along with the Cleveland Browns, should break some bread in the coming weeks and months.

This week, Cribbs said it is unlikely that he returns to Cleveland – this after the Browns’ latest contract offer, reportedly at $1.4 million a year for six years. Cribbs’ representatives have said they will push for a trade, and plenty of NFL teams should be interested in the Pro Bowler.

Joshua Cribbs. (AP photo)

The Titans should also be interested.

While the offseason departure of Albert Haynesworth is well-documented, the loss of return man Chris Carr had a similar impact. The Titans kickoff return unit transformed from the best in 2008 to one of the worst in 2009, ending the season ranked 29th out of 32 teams. Mark Jones, rookie Ryan Mouton, Chris Davis – none of these players filled Carr’s void, and it cost the Titans at least one game (at New York Jets).

Cribbs, a former college quarterback, ended 2009 with 381 rushing yards (6.9 average) and a touchdown. He also caught 20 passes for 135 yards and another score and on special teams, averaged 27.5 yards per kickoff return with three scores. Even more important, he also averaged 11.9 yards on punt returns and scored once.

Cribbs entered this season with hopes of being more than just a return man and Wildcat artist. He wanted to also be a starting receiver. That didn’t work in Cleveland. Maybe it was the quarterback circus. Maybe Cribbs just isn’t ready for that job yet. Either way, some team will likely give him a shot as a third or fourth receiver.